ADASS responds to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standards report
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In response to the 2025-26 report on the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standards (SC-WRES), ADASS President, Phil Holmes, said:
“The SC-WRES shows participating councils powerful data about the race equity that their social care staff experience. These insights give councils clarity about the continual improvements in race equity that their employees need and deserve.
“On the one hand, it was heartening to see the increasing number of councils getting involved in this voluntary reporting. 70% of the local authority adult social care workforce is now represented (up from 43% in 2024/25). It is essential that uptake continues to increase. On the other hand, it was extremely concerning to see that, on average, people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds were heavily overrepresented in disciplinary and fitness-to-practice processes, much more likely to report harassment, bullying or abuse, and significantly less likely to be shortlisted after job applications or progress to more senior roles.
“Are we surprised? No. Are we disappointed? Yes. So what are we going to do about it? When I spoke at the launch event today I described five ‘P’s:
- “Privilege, and the importance of people like me in social care leadership roles using their power to ensure social justice and human rights are our first priority.
- “Populism, which seeks to pit disenfranchised groups against one another, and the need to counteract this by enabling connection and understanding.
- “Platitudes, and the need to do the work (not just talk about the work) nationally, locally and personally so that intentions are translated into meaningful actions.
- “Progress that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated (without complacency) wherever it occurs so that we do not lose hope or slide into feelings of helplessness.
- “Purpose. Please do read the report and think about the actions you will take. The report will connect you with others doing the work up and down the country. You are not alone.”